spotl i ght 5questions

s e e wh e r e i t sh i n e s t h i s w e e k
For . . .

way. It’s hard work, perseverance

and creating an atmosphere where
Matt
players and staff can mesh to build
something special together.” Slauson
bo i
On his involvement in recruiting
at LSU and now as a head coach
“At LSU, I had a head coach’s role What’s your routine the

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p e l i to a certain extent: I was closing
commitments and seeing defensive
guys. Going into a home is one of
my strengths. The recruits know I’m
night before a game?
“Quick review of the game-
plan, then in bed by 10”

It’s his

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going to be honest and not try to sell What do you eat for
something that isn’t true. I lay it on breakfast on game day?
the line, let them know what will be “Three eggs, dry wheat
expected of them and what we have toast and a glass of OJ”

show now . . .
to offer. We are going to be honest
all along the• way and sell the Univer- Any bizarre game-day

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sity of Nebraska for what it is.” rituals or superstitions?
On the importance of the walk- “I brush with a Lil’ Red
on program toothbrush before games”
“It’s a big part of the University of
Bo Pelini took control of the Nebraska football program last Nebraska. One of the unique aspects How do you get fired up

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December after a highly successful five-year run as a collegiate of this university is everything it before a game?
defensive coordinator. And he couldn’t be more ready for it means to the entire state. So, the “By repeatedly ramming my
more young men and towns we have head against Zach Potter’s”
On returning to Nebraska after build relationships and leadership. represented on our football team, the
having interviewed for the posi- It’s not just about recruiting or X’s more the program will benefit. We How do you wind down

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tion in 2003 and O’s. Teachers, communicators— don’t have enough scholarships to do once the game is over?
“There are a lot of special people that’s the most important thing.” that, so the more walk-ons we bring “With some Madden foot-
here in the state. I have a lot of great On what he has learned from his into the program with that passion ball and then a long nap”
friends, and hopefully will make assistant coaching experience and desire to be a part of Husker
more great friends here. I’m more “I’ve been fortunate in my career football, the stronger we’ll be.”
prepared today than I was four years with the people I’ve been around and On the growing pains he expects
ago to be a head coach. I’m happy to the success we’ve had. I’ve learned as a head coach
be here right now, and all I’m con- that you win with high-character “I don’t know. You’ll have to ask
cerned with is here and now.” people and doing things the right me that a year from now. The most
On his first message to the team important thing is that I’m going to
“I let the team know I was looking have a great support system, staff
forward to establishing the culture and people around me who want me
we will live by. It’s accountability, to be successful. That’s why I believe
trust, belief in one another and the this is a special opportunity for me,
family atmosphere we want to build because I believe I have that support
within this program. I’m not just here at the University of Nebraska.
here to be the head coach and a dic-
tator. I’m here to serve a number of Bo orchestrated Nebraska’s defensive efforts in
2003. He led the Huskers to a win over Michigan
roles, one of which is to make sure State as interim head coach in the ’03 Alamo Bowl.
players have a positive experience as
student-athletes at Nebraska.”
def ens ive line men to tell us
On the opportunity to be top dog We ask ed five fer ocio us hus ker
“It’s something I’ve worked a long
time for. I’ve always believed that
p umped up! the tun es that get the m rea
dy to wre ak hav oc on gam e day

if you do your job the best you can, the Machine

clayton Sievers (Senior) “know your enemy” Rage Against
people recognize it, and good things
will happen. If you get consumed “diary of a madman” Ozzy Osbo
urne
with that next step, you lose sight of Barry Turner (senior)
what’s really important. It’s worked “somewhere I belong” Linkin
Park
for me, and I’ll continue to do that.” Ty Steinkuhler (senior)
On what he looks for when hiring “My spirit will go on” Dragonfo
rce
assistant coaches ndamukong Suh (Junior)
“I want high-energy people who Drowning Pool
zach potter (senior) “let the bodies hit the floor”
communicate with the players and

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